How Does Inequality Define the Health of a Nation?

Richard Wilkinson discusses inequality and the effects it can have on a country’s citizens.

posted Jul 26, 2012

Just because a country tops the charts for GDP and high income doesn't mean it's the most equal, happiest, or healthiest of nations. Research is showing that some of the wealthiest countries also have the greatest equality gaps between rich and poor as well as the highest rates of health problems and mental illnesses.

Richard Wilkinson has done extensive research on the effects and consequences of inequality.

An interview with epidemiologist Richard Wilkinson, whose research shows
that what the healthiest and happiest societies have in common is not
that they have more, but that what they have is more equitably shared.

A new study suggests Americans' happiness declines when there’s a wider gap between rich and poor.